Since the 2003-04 regular season Powell River has outscored Vernon 73-66

Since the 2003-04 regular season Vernon is 9-2-0-0 at home vs Powell River

Since the 2003-04 regular season Vernon is 4-9-0-0 in Powell River

The Vipers last regular season win in Powell River was a 4-3 victory on Friday, December 12th 2014

The Kings last regular season win at home vs Vernon was a 3-0 victory on Friday, October 2nd 2015

The Vipers last regular season win at home vs Powell River was a 5-3 victory on Sunday, December 20th 2015

The Kings last regular season win in Vernon was a 7-2 victory on Saturday, January 12th 2013

Let's take a look at the Vernon Vipers:

The Vernon Vipers make their first and only regular season visit to the Hap Parker Arena are coming off a 6-3 loss Saturday to the Wenatchee Wild at the BCHL Showcase in Chilliwack. Vernon has won two of their last three games in Powell River. Tonight is the fourth game of a current six game road trip, the Vipers longest this season. Vernon comes into tonight's game with a 2-2 record away from home are facing a team from either the Island or Mainland Division for a third straight game. The Vipers sit tied in points with West Kelowna for 2nd place in the Interior Division. Newly acquired defenceman Cooper Watson is suppose to make his Viper debut tonight.

Vernon Vipers Roster:

http://bchl.ca/roster?team=21 Steven Jandric (5-3-8) leads the team lead in goals with five, while Steven Jandric (5-3-8), Jimmy Lambert (2-6-8) & Niko Karamanis (3-5-8) share the team lead in points with eight each.

The Powell River Kings are coming off a 7-1 victory over the visiting Nanaimo Clippers Wednesday face the Vipers twice this season. The Kings will travel to Vernon January 21st in the final meeting of the season. These two teams split the season series last year with the Kings winning at home and losing in Vernon. The Kings have eleven players returning from last season, started the season losing their first four games, have now rebounded winning four straight to improve to 4-4 on the season. Powell River has played five of their first eight games away from home, play their next two games on home ice before hitting the road for a six game road trip. The Kings sit 3rd in the Island Division two points up on last place Nanaimo, one point up on Alberni Valley are one point back of 2nd place Cowichan. Former Vipers defenceman Callum Volpe will make his Kings debut tonight vs his former team.

The Vernon Vipers have traded defenceman Darren Rizzolo to the Alberni Valley Bulldogs in exchange for future considerations.

Head coach and director of hockey operations Mark Ferner was forced to make a move as second-year forward Brett Stapley is set to come off the injured reserve list.

Rizzolo is an 18-year-old Mission product who compiled three goals and 10 points in 45 games last year with the Snakes. He was acquired in a trade with the Chilliwack Chiefs last year that saw forward Linden Hora of Kelowna sent to the Fraser Valley. Rizzolo, a former speed skater, is committed to the NCAA Northeastern Huskies.

"We had zero issues with Darren," said Ferner. "It was him or one of the older kids that had to go. It breaks your heart trading such a good kid. He asked me: 'What did I do wrong?' I told him he did everything we asked him to; we just had too many defencemen with the addition of Cooper Watson. We sent Darren to a good program. Kevin Willison is a good coach and Darren will get to play more and have success."

Stapley, a prize recruit at 16 last year, has been on IR for a month with an upper-body injury. Forward Nick Rasovic remains on IR with a lacerated kidney.

The move now leaves the Vernon active roster at 22 as they begin a three-game road trip Friday night in Powell River against the Kings. The Vipers still have room for one 20-year-old and one import.

Ferner may stick with the hottest goaltender rather than rotate the impressive 17-year-old tandem of Ty Taylor and Cole Demers.

"I'm going to have a talk with them. They've both played three games so the real competition starts now."

The Vipers face the Bulldogs Saturday night in Port Alberni and then battle the Clippers in a Sunday matinee in Nanaimo. Vernon entertains the Surrey Eagles in their next home tilt, Friday, Oct. 7.

Gill was invited to the Penguins Training camp has spent the past three seasons in the American Hockey League & East Coast Hockey League. Gill left Boston University after three seasons to sign with the ECHL Wheeling Nailers in 2013. Gill attended the Montreal Canadians Training Camp in 2014 before being released played last season with the AHL Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins & the ECHL Wheeling Nailers. In 21 games with the Penguins Gill recorded (5-goals-9-assists-14-points) & in 24 games with the Nailers Gill picked up (3-goals-15-assists-18-points).

Gill played parts of two seasons in Vernon (2008-2010). Gill left the Vipers in July 2009 for the United States Hockey League (USHL) Chicago Steel but after playing in 26 games returned to Vernon in mid January 2010 to finish his Junior hockey career with the Vipers. In 71 regular season games with the Vipers Gill collected (21-goals-30-assists-42-points).

Wednesday, September 28, 2016

The American Hockey League (AHL) Utica Comets have re-signed former Vernon Vipers forward Mike Zalewski.

Zalewski will be entering his third season with the Comets. Last season in 58 games with Utica Zalewski picked up (16-goals-17-assists-33-points). Zalewski left his third year at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute (RPI) signing with the Vancouver Canucks March 17th 2014. Zalewski skated in his first NHL practice with the Canucks March 21, 2014 before making his NHL debut on Saturday April 12 2014 in a 5-2 loss in Edmonton. Zalewski picked up his first career NHL point (assist) in a 5-1 win over the visiting Calgary Flames the following night.

Zalewski played two season's in Vernon (2010-2012) In 106 regular season games with the Vipers Zalewski collected (50-goals-54-assists-104-points).

Vancouver Canucks General Manager Jim Benning announced today that the Canucks have signed forward Mike Zalewski and goaltender Richard Bachman each to a one-year, two-way contract extension.

Zalewski, 23, appeared in 58 games for the AHL Utica Comets this past season where he ranked tied for fifth in points (33) and tied for third in goals (16). He also skated in three games for Vancouver in 2015.16, collecting an assist (0-1-1) along with two penalty minutes. In 2014.15, Zalewski collected 12 points (3-9-12) and 18 penalty minutes in 55 games played with the Comets. He made his NHL debut on April 12, 2014 at Edmonton and registered his first NHL point (assist) the following night versus Calgary.

Prior to making his professional debut in 2014, the 6-2, 205-pound forward spent two seasons with the Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute (RPI) Engineers. In 71 career NCAA games, Zalewski compiled 47 points (21-26-47) and 75 penalty minutes.

The New Hartford, New York, native was signed by Vancouver as a free agent on March 14, 2014.

Bachman, 28, spent the 2015-16 season with the Utica Comets, posting a record of 17-12-5 and a goals against average of 2.75. He also made his debut with the Canucks last season, registering a win on October 30 at Arizona. The 5'10", 176 pound goaltender has played in 43 career NHL games, amassing a record of 18-14-2, 2.93 goals against average and save percentage of .904.

On the international stage, the Salt Lake City, Utah native represented the United State at the 2012 IIHF World Hockey Championship, earning a win in his only start. Prior to his professional career, Bachman played two seasons at Colorado College. He was named WCHA Player and Rookie of the Year, NCAA Rookie of the Year and NCAA West First Team All-American with a record of 25-9-1, four shutouts, and program-record GAA (1.85) and save percentage (.931).

Bachman was signed by Vancouver as a free agent on July 1, 2015. He was originally selected by Dallas in the fourth round, 120th overall, at the 2006 NHL Entry Draft.

They couldn’t find his luggage in Vancouver after a long flight from Minneapolis. Then there were some delays at customs.

Despite all the chaos, Cooper Watson used the word fun to describe his weary arrival in Canada early Friday morning.

The newest defenceman and 20-year-old appears to have the no-whine attitude required to fit in with the B.C. Hockey League Vernon Vipers. He makes his debut Friday night in Powell River versus the Kings.

“I literally knew nothing about the Vipers and I didn’t know anything about the league,” said Watson, prior to Tuesday’s practice. “People said the league is a little different than the USHL and I thought I may get on with another USHL team, but when that didn’t happen, this was the next best spot.”

A product of Appleton, Wisc., where Watson loves fishing with his father and three brothers, the big d-man spent the last two years with the Madison Capitols of the USHL.

“I feel coming here will further develop me as a complete player. Mark (Viper head coach Ferner) was an NHL defenceman so I know he’s going to be a big help. I’m known as a stay-at-home guy so I’d like to explore my offensive side while here.”

His brother, Carver, recently left the Tri-City Storm of the USHL for the BCHL Chilliwack Chiefs, while brother Cliff is a senior captain of the NCAA Division 1 Michigan Tech Huskies. Cooper and fellow Viper Jagger Williamson have committed to the Huskies.

“I don’t know my billets’ names or even what part of town I’m living in; it’s all too new,” chuckled Watson, a cycling addict who is a nasty 6-foot-3, 175-pounder.

He rang up four goals, 13 points and 176 penalty minutes in two seasons with Madison.

Ferner liked what he was in Watson at practice Monday at Kal Tire Place. The Vipers now move to Priest Valley Arena since their dressing room is being groomed for the Edmonton Oilers for this weekend’s Kraft Hockeyville.

“He’s fine, he’s a big body and he plays hard. I’m not sure who we’ll pair him up with yet. We’ll wait and see.”

Ferner, meanwhile, figured the Wenatchee Wild would give his club a true and tough test in the fifth BCHL Bauer Showcase in Chilliwack.

Ferner was bang on as the Wild – the only team in the BCHL without a regulation loss – brushed back the Snakes 6-3 Saturday night at Prospera Centre.

“Five-on-five, we were fine,” said Ferner. “Half the game was played on special teams and we weren’t being dirty or malicious. It was frustrating for the players.”

Wenatchee took an early penalty in the second and Steven Jandric poked in a loose puck for his fifth goal.

the season to make it 2-1. D-man Carter Stephenson and Niko Karamanis earned assists.

The Wild converted shortly after a powerplay expired as Dakota Raabe knocked a puck out of mid-air to make it 3-1. Slava Demin delivered a seeing-eye wrister through a maze of bodies to give Wenatchee a 4-1 lead with the man advantage.

The Vipers cut the deficit to 4-3 thanks to a power play goal from Christian Cakebread at 10:59, and Shane Kelly unleashed another seeing-eye shot from the right wing boards at 14:54 that eluded Wild goalie Anthony Yamnitsky, and suddenly despite a dominating performance, the Wild lead was trimmed to one. It was Kelly’s first BCHL snipe.

Stephenson and d-man Chris Jandric set up Cakebread, while Karamanis and Jimmy Lambert pocketed helpers on Kelly’s tally.

The Wild responded just 17 seconds later with a dagger from Burston.

Austin Chavez fired a crisp head-man pass to Matthew Baker, who tossed a quick backhand dish to Dakota Raabe. Raabe, who has been on fire with a goal in four straight games, fired from the right wing and the rebound was collected and buried by Burston.

The Vipers called a timeout late in the period and pulled their Demers for a sixth attacker, but Charlie Combs sniffed the puck out and picked off a cross blue-line pass and raced down to deposit the puck in the abandoned net.

The Wild outshot Vernon 46-21, and Yamnitsky picked up his second win of the year. Demers was stellar with 40 saves. Vernon clicked twice on the power play.

Harris leads the BCHL with 12 points in five games.

Three stars were: 1. Burston. 2. Raabe. 3. Stephenson.

The Vipers-Kings game can be heard at 7:15 p.m. Friday on 107.5 KissFM. Vernon visits the Alberni Valley Bulldogs Saturday night and take on the Clippers in a Sunday matinee in Nanaimo.

The Penticton Vees lead the Interior at 5-1, followed by the defending national champion West Kelowna Warriors at 4-1.

Tuesday, September 27, 2016

The American Hockey League (AHL) Albany Devils have re-signed former Vernon Vipers forward Rod Pelley. Pelley will be entering his fourth season with the Devils. After four years at Ohio State University Pelley signed a two year entry-level contract with the New Jersey Devils. Pelley would spend (2006-2011) with the New Jersey Devils and Lowell Devils before being traded to the Anaheim Ducks in 2011. Pelley has spent the past three seasons in the American Hockey League with the Albany Devils, has played five seasons in the NHL with New Jersey & Anaheim. In 65 games last season with the Devils Pelley collected (8-goals-5-assists-13-points). Pelley will enter this season his fourth season as captain with Albany.Pelley played parts of one season in Vernon (2001-2002) On January 10th 2001 the Vipers traded Mark Nelson & Tyler Scofield to Prince George for Josh Ciocco, Rod Pelley & Dan Rossi. Pelley played in 19 regular season games with the Vipers collecting (10-goals-8-assists-18-points).

ALBANY, NY – The Albany Devils have signed forward Rod Pelley to a one-year American Hockey League contract. The announcement was made by Albany Devils General Manager Tom Fitzgerald.

Pelley, who just completed his 10th professional season, has served as the Devils’ captain for the last three seasons. Under his leadership, Albany has produced a 123-71-18-16 record, earning a Calder Cup Playoff berth during the 2013-14 and 2015-16 seasons. The 31-year-old is a veteran of 676 professional games, including 420 in the AHL and 256 in the NHL. His career totals include 65 goals and 61 helpers for 126 points in the AHL and nine tallies and 20 assists in the NHL.

Pelley’s career has included two stints with the Devils’ organization. He split time between the Lowell Devils and New Jersey Devils between 2006-07 and 2011-12. After spending the remainder of the 2011-12 season and all of 2012-13 with the Anaheim Ducks organization, he signed as a free agent with the Devils prior to the 2013-14 campaign.

Before turning pro, Pelley spent four seasons with Ohio State (CCHA), posting 47 goals and 41 assists for 88 points in 165 games. He was a member of the 2004 CCHA Championship team, earning All-Tournament honors. He signed as a free agent with New Jersey after his senior year and made his professional debut with Lowell on Oct. 7, 2006. His NHL debut came on Feb. 1, 2007.

The 6’0”, 205-lb., left-shooting forward was born Sept. 1, 1984 in Kitimat, BC.

During the Vernon Vipers season opener September 9th 2016, Vernon Viper forward #23 Jimmy Lambert scores a highlight goal against the Salmon Arm Silverbacks. The play develops back in the Vipers zone with a break out pass to Lambert on the right side who then makes a couple of awesome moves to beat a couple of Silverback defenders and undresses the goal to give his team a 5-3 win. It was one of a number highlight goals scored that weekend including teammate Jagger Williamson’s nationally televised goal.

West Kelowna Warriors forward Quin Foreman has been named the BCHL Player of the Week for the week ending Sept. 25, the league announced Monday.

Foreman led all scorers at the fifth Bauer BCHL Showcase with five goals, including a hat trick. The Dartmouth College recruit had a hat trick, including the game-winner, in a 5-2 win over Chilliwack where he was named 1st Star. He added two more goals and another 1st Star nod in a 5-3 win over Coquitlam.

A 6-foot-3, 195-pound native of Norwood, Mass., Foreman now has 10 points in five games and leads the BCHL with seven goals on the season.

The East Coast Hockey League Brampton Beast have re-signed former Vernon Vipers forward Brandon Marino.

Marino started last season with the Beast, picked up (13-goals-28-assists-41-points) in 40 games before signing a Professional Tryout Contract (PTO) with the American Hockey League (AHL) Uitca Comets January 12th 2016. Marino was released February 10th 2016 after scoring once in eight games with Utica before signing with the Comets for a second time February 26 2016. In 30 games with the Comets Marino collected (4-goals-0-assists-4-points). Marino recently signed with the HC Mikron Nové Zámky or known as in English (HC New Locks) on May 22nd 2016 but never played a single game. HC New Locks is a Slovak ice hockey club in New Zámky , that plays in the Tipsport League.

After four years with Bemidji State University Marino has spent the past seven seasons playing in five different leagues (IHL, CHL, ECHL, AHL & EBEL) with six different teams (Quad City, Fort Wayne, Norfolk, Szekesfehervar, Brampton & Utica).Marino played two games with the 2002-2003 Vernon Vipers.Brandon Marino's Player Profile:http://www.eliteprospects.com/player.php?player=39227

This is posted on the Beast website:

Captain and Former Scoring Champion Brandon Marino Returns to Beast

06/29/2016

BRAMPTON, ONTARIO – The Brampton Beast, ECHL affiliate of the St. John’s IceCaps and Montreal Canadiens, announce today that the club has re-signed 2015-16 leading scorer Brandon Marino for the 2016-17 season.

Marino, 30, is a native of Riverside, California and was a tour-de-force with the Beast throughout his 40 games played with the club last season.

In 2015-16, Marino was a point-per-game player, recording 13 goals and 28 assists while chipping in with 22 penalty minutes. His 41 points led the club, despite playing in 16 fewer games than the next highest-scoring teammate.

Marino, who took over as the captain of the Beast when Cal Wild retired early in the season, has been an explosive, high-scoring forward throughout his ECHL career and is looking to continue that trend with the Beast this season. His ECHL numbers speak for themselves. In 183 career ECHL contests, the sniper has recorded a combined 63 goals and 140 assists shared between the Beast and the Fort Wayne Komets.

His goal-scoring prowess was on full display during the 2013-14 season, when he registered 30 goals and 58 assists for 88 points, enough points to earn him an ECHL scoring title during his tenure with the Komets.

Marino believes his best days are ahead of him with the Beast this season and he is excited to get back to the Powerade Centre in front of the hometown fans in Brampton.

“This organization treats you well,” Marino said. “They do things the right way and I can see that the fan base is growing and we’re starting to get more support.”

Marino shared the 2015-16 season between the Beast and the American Hockey League’s Utica Comets, spending a career-high 34 regular season games in the AHL, during which he recorded four goals and 16 penalty minutes.

While Marino certainly admits he learned a lot during the 2015-16 campaign, he believes he is an improved version of the same player.

“Honestly, I don’t think I am a different player,” Marino said. “I have been lucky enough to produce in terms of points, but I consider myself a hard worker and I’m looking forward to being a part of a playoff team this season in Brampton.”

Beast Head Coach Colin Chaulk is no stranger to Brandon Marino. The pair suited up together as teammates on the Fort Wayne Komets and got to know each other a step further last season with Chaulk acting as Marino’s Head Coach. Chaulk is excited to have a player of Marino’s calibre back in the mix for this upcoming season.

“Brandon has led the ECHL in scoring,” Chaulk said. “From the outside looking in, you know he has talent. What people don’t know is that Brandon is also one of our hardest working players. He says and does the right things and not just on the ice. It’s definitely a big step in the right direction for our organization to get a player like Brandon back.”

“The new guy (Brushett) is pretty smart and pretty slick on the puck; he distributed it real well,” said Ferner. “The goal he scored was real nice. He got the puck in traffic and beat a couple of guys.”

Brushett bagged two goals and 10 points with the USHL Sioux Falls Stampede and Bloomington Thunder last season. The Verdun native has committed to the NCAA Providence Friars.

Kowalski, an Okanagan Rocket grad, tipped a shot near post by Taylor Karel midway through the second period, narrowing Vernon’s lead to 4-2.

“They simply outworked us,” said Kowalski. “We just have to work harder and be smarter and be better as a team. Vernon has a pretty smart group of guys and they definitely have some physical forwards. They like to hit.”

Kowalski played on a few different lines as head coach Mike Vandekamp went with 11 forwards.

Centre Niko Karamanis chipped in with two assists for the Snakes. The Jandric-Karamanis-Jimmy Lambert combined for six points.

Captain Riley Brandt took the Fortis Energy Player of the Game. The Vipers went to Chilliwack’s finest Italian restaurant – Bozzini’s – for a post-game dinner.

Taylor improved to 3-0, while Austin Roden suffered the loss.

Vernon welcomed 20-year-old bruising Madison, Wisc. native Cooper Watson to their hotel Saturday night. He was not expected to play versus Wenatchee.

Watson, a towering big higger, spent the last two seasons with the Madison Capitols of the USHL. He has a scholarship to the Michigan Tech Huskies for next year. Viper alternate captain Jagger
Williamson has committed to the same Division 1 school, where Watson’s brother, Cliff, is captain.

“Wenatchee will be our toughest test so far,” said Ferner. “They’re quick and they come at you fast. They were unfortunate not to beat Powell River; they outshot them 50-24 and lost 5-4 in overtime.”

Ontario product Kyle Betts, who has a schollie with Cornell Big Red, supplied 2+1 for the Kings.

All 17 teams will play twice at the fifth Showcase, attended by more than 75 NCAA, CIS and NHL scouts.

The defending BCHL champion Penticton Vees shaded the Prince George Spruce Kings 3-2 Friday to join the 2016 national champion West Kelowna Warriors and Vipers atop the Interior table.

Okanagan Rocket grad Linden Hora netted the winner on a powerplay at 13:29 of the first period as the Chilliwack Chiefs shut down the Alberni Valley Bulldogs 4-0 Friday.

The Cowichan Valley Capitals brushed off the Merritt Centennials 4-2 Friday afternoon. Vernon’s Brett Jewell, captain of the Cents, had one goal.

Cowichan clipped the Surrey Eagles 3-2, while the Prince George Spruce Kings mauled Merritt 7-2 in other Thursday action. Jewell scored once for Merritt.

SNAKEBITES: Forwards Nick Rasovic and Brett Stapley are on Vernon’s injured reserve list...The Vipers visit Powell River Friday night, move over to Port Alberni Saturday and finish the weekend Sunday afternoon in Nanaimo...Next home game is Friday, Oct. 7 against Surrey...F Sahir Gill, who helped the Vipers win back-to-back Royal Bank Cups n 2009-10, is attending the Pittsburgh Penguins training camp. The Terrace native rang up 14 points in 21 games with Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Pens of the American League last season. The speedy Gill played university hockey for the Boston Terriers...Jared Turcotte’s goal had th Salmon Arm Silverbacks leading the Clippers 1-0 early in a Saturday morning tilt.

Since the BCHL Showcase opened in 2012-13 Vernon is 4-2-1-2 at the Showcase

Since the BCHL Showcase opened in 2012-13 Vernon as the home team is 2-0-1-2 at the Showcase

Since the BCHL Showcase opened in 2012-13 Vernon as the road team is 2-1-0-1 at the Showcase
Since the 2015-16 regular season Vernon is 1-2-0-0 vs Wenatchee

Since the 2015-16 regular season Vernon is 0-1-0-0 at home vs Wenatchee

Since the 2015-16 regular season Vernon is 1-0-0-0 in Wenatchee

Since the 2015-16 regular season Wenatchee has outscored Vernon 13-6

The Vipers have yet to defeat Wenatchee at home

The Wilds last regular season win in Vernon was a 8-1 victory on Friday, February 26 2016

The Wild have yet to defeat Vernon at home

The Vipers last regular season win in Wenatchee was a 3-2 overtime victory on Saturday, November 14th 2015

Let's take a look at the Vernon Vipers:

The Vernon Vipers are coming off a 6-3 victory over the Nanaimo Clippers Friday afternoon, wrap up the BCHL Showcase vs the Wenatchee Wild tonight. With the win Friday, the Vipers improve to 4-1 on the season. Tonight is the Vipers third game of a current six game road trip, their longest of the season. The Vipers & Wild met three times last season with Wenatchee winning two of the three games. These two teams will meet again November 25th in Wenatchee before the final meeting of the regular season February 10th in Vernon. The Vipers sit in 2nd place in the Interior Division tied in points with West Kelowna.

Vernon Vipers Roster:

http://bchl.ca/roster?team=21 Steven Jandric (4-3-7) leads the team lead in goals with seven, while Steven Jandric (4-3-7) & Jimmy Lambert (2-5-7) share the team lead in points with seven each.

The Wenatchee Wild are coming off a 5-4 overtime loss to the Powell River Kings Friday also finish the BCHL Showcase tonight vs Vernon. Tonight is the fifth and final game of a five game road trip, before the Wild have their home opener Friday vs Langley. Friday's overtime loss was the Wilds first loss of the season, as Wenatchee comes into tonight's game with a 3-0-1-0 record. This is the second time these two teams will face each other at the BCHL Showcase after Wenatchee's 3-2 victory over the Vipers at last years Showcase. The Wild sit atop the Mainland Division three points up on Chilliwack, Langley & Coquitlam. Wenatchee leads the league in goals with twenty seven.

Wenatchee Wild Roster:

http://bchl.ca/roster?team=35Charlie Combs (5-3-8) leads the team lead in goals with five, while Brendan Harris (3-8-11) leads the team lead in points with eleven.

Friday, September 23, 2016

Newly acquired Vernon Vipers forward Ryan Brushett playing in his first game with the Vipers, scores his first career BCHL goal this afternoon to give the Vipers a 4-1 2nd period lead over Nanaimo at the BCHL Showcase in Chilliwack. Vernon improves to 4-1 after a 6-3 victory over the Nanaimo Clippers.

Since the BCHL Showcase opened in 2012-13 Vernon is 3-2-1-2 at the Showcase

Since the BCHL Showcase opened in 2012-13 Vernon as the home team is 1-0-1-2 at the Showcase

Since the BCHL Showcase opened in 2012-13 Vernon as the road team is 2-1-0-1 at the Showcase

Since the 2003-04 regular season Vernon is 15-7-0-2 vs Nanaimo

Since the 2003-04 regular season Vernon has outscored Nanaimo 80-71

Since the 2003-04 regular season Vernon is 12-0-0-1 at home vs Nanaimo

Since the 2003-04 regular season Vernon is 3-7-0-1 in Nanaimo

The Vipers are 7-3-0-0 in their last ten games vs Nanaimo

The Vipers are 9-0-0-1 in their last ten home games vs the Clippers

The Vipers are 3-6-0-1 in their last ten road games vs the Clippers

The Vipers last regular season win in Nanaimo was a 6-4 victory on Friday, January 18th 2013

The Clippers last regular season win at home vs Vernon was a 5-2 victory on Saturday, October 3rd 2015

Nanaimo's last regular season win in Vernon was a 4-3 double overtime victory on Friday, January 16th 2009

The Vipers last regular season win at home vs Nanaimo was a 6-2 victory on Friday, October 9th 2015

Let's take a look at the Vernon Vipers:

The Vernon Vipers

The Vernon Vipers are coming off their first loss of the season, a 3-1 loss Saturday in West Kelowna open the 2016 BCHL Showcase this afternoon vs the Nanaimo Clippers. Today is the first of two games in Chilliwack this weekend at the Showcase as the Vipers face Wenatchee Saturday night. The Vipers released defenceman Callum Volpe after acquiring forward Ryan Brushett and defenceman Cooper Watson Friday. Today is the second of a current six game road trip, the Vipers longest of the season. Vernon sits 3rd in the Interior Division with a 3-1 record are a single point up on 4th place Merritt are just two points back of Penticton & West Kelowna who are tied in points for the Division lead. The Vipers split last season with the Clippers winning at home 6-2 but lost 5-2 in Nanaimo. The Vipers and Clippers will meet again October 2nd in Nanaimo before the Clippers will travel to Vernon January 28th.

Vernon Vipers Roster:

http://bchl.ca/roster?team=21 Niko Karamanis (3-1-4) & Riley Brandt (3-1-4) share the team lead in goals with three each, while Jimmy Lambert (2-4-6) leads the team lead in points with six.

The defending Island Division Champion Nanaimo Clippers are coming off a 3-2 win over the visiting Surrey Eagles Saturday, open the 2016 BCHL Showcase today vs Vernon before finishing up the Showcase tomorrow morning vs Salmon Arm. This is the first time these two teams have met at the Showcase. Today is the first of a three game road trip for the Clippers who have played three of their first four games at home this season. Nanaimo sits 3rd in the Island Division are a point up on 4th place Alberni Valley are one point back of Cowichan and two points back of Division leading Victoria. The Clippers and Vipers come into today's game both with 3-1 records. Nanaimo has seven players returning from last year's hockey club.

Nanaimo Clippers Roster:

http://bchl.ca/roster?team=23Matt Creamer (2-1-3), Shawn Guison (2-1-3) & Ben Solin (2-2-4) share the team lead in goals with two, while Ben Solin (2-2-4) leads the team in points with four.

The Vernon Vipers just got a little meaner and older on the back end, while adding a healthy young centre, heading into the fifth B.C. Hockey League Bauer Showcase in Chilliwack.

The Vipers have signed 6-foot-3, 175-pound defenceman Cooper Watson, 20, and are awaiting a release from Quebec Hockey before adding 18-year-old forward Ryan Brushett of Verdun. Vernon released second-year blue liner Callum Volpe, an 18-year-old from Coquitlam.

Vernon head coach/GM Mark Ferner hopes to put both players on his roster for Saturday night's game against the powerful Wenatchee Wild at Prospera Centre. The Vipers face the Nanaimo Clippers Friday at 1 p.m. The Showcase draws scouts from dozens of NCAA and CIS schools, along with most NHL bird-dogs.

"Cooper has a scholarship with Michigan Tech (Huskies) and his brother Cliff is the captain there this year and his other brother, Carver (Tri-City USHL), is also going to Michigan Tech next year so he comes from good bloodlines," said Ferner, in Chilliwack watching a Showcase matinee game.

"Cooper is a little meaner than both his brothers. He's a big kid who is a stay-at-home, puck-moving d-man which is just what we needed."

Watson compiled 4-9-13 and 176 penalty minutes in two years with the Madison Capitols of the USHL. He rang up 25 points in 24 games with Appleton United as a 16-year-old Midget.

Brushett turned 18 in June and posted 2-8-10 with the Sioux Falls Stampede and Bloomington Thunder last season.

The 5-foot-11, 172-pound centre racked up 87 points in two Midget seasons with the Lac St-Louis Lions in Quebec.

"He had good numbers in Midget and he has a scholarship to Providence (Friars) so he's got some skill," said Ferner. "Lac St.-Louis is the Eastern equivalent of Shattuck St. Mary's (in Minnesota) so it's a good, quality program."

Brushell will give the Vipers another healthy forward since veterans Nick Rasovic and Brett Stapley are on injured reserve.

Second-year F Christian Cakebread and d-men Carter Stevenson and Mitch Oliver all missed practice this week due to illness. All three are expected to play against the Clippers.

Ferner said Ty Taylor will start in goal against Nanaimo, who has Vernon products Spencer Hewson, captain, and Matt Kowalski in their lineup.

"We've show the kids video on Nanaimo's tendencies on the penalty kill and power play and we know they're going to work hard and be physical," said Ferner. "They're off to a good start at 3-1."

The Vipers are also 3-1 and also know what they're getting against Wenatchee (3-0).

"Everybody down here (Chilliwack) says they're just as good as they were last year. They will play with pace so we'll have to be physical and slow them down."

Volpe became expendable since the Vipers had nine defencemen in camp. Volpe had 4-7-11 in 44 games as a rookie last season.

“It’s always tough releasing a young kid, but he took it well,” said Ferner. “It was a hockey decision.”

There West Kelowna Warriors stopped the Chilliwack Chiefs 5-2 in a rematch of last season’s league Fred Page Cup finals to open the Showcase Wednesday.

Quin Foreman notched a hat trick, including the winner. After a scoreless first period, the Norwood, Mass. product notched a pair in the second as West Kelowna built a 3-0 lead.

Foreman completed his hat trick into an empty net. New Warrior netminder Xavier Burghardt made 31 saves for his second win of the season.

Owen Sillinger, the son of former NHLer Mike Sillinger, pulled the hat trick Thursday afternoon as the Penticton Vees iced the Langley Rivermen 6-4. The Vees also have high-scoring Boston product Ty Amonte, son of retired NHLer Tony Amonte.

Foreman bagged a deuce as West Kelowna brushed back the Coquitlam Express 5-3.

Thursday, September 22, 2016

The Vernon Vipers have added 18 year old forward Ryan Brushett
and 20 year old defenceman Cooper Watson. Both players are listed on the Vipers roster. Defenceman Callum Volpe is no longer listed on the Vipers roster. With the additions of Brushett and Watson, the Vipers roster sits at 24 players.

Brushett listed at 5'11 and 175lbs played last season with the United States Hockey League (USHL) Sioux Falls Stampede and the Bloomington Thunder. In 25 games with the Stampede Brushett collected (1-goal-3-assists-4-points) and in 22 games with the Thunder picked up (1-goal-5-assists-6-points). Brushett is listed to be with the Thunder this season but has yet to play a game. Brushett was drafted 125th overall in Round 8 by the Sioux City Musketeers at the 2014 USHL Futures Draft was also drafted 97th overall in Round 6 by the Charlottetown Islanders at the 2014 QMJHL Entry Draft. Brushett has committed to Providence College for the 2017-18 season.

Watson listed at 6'3 and 180lbs played last season with the United States Hockey League (USHL) Madison Capitols, playing in 57 games collected (2-goals-5-assists-7-points). Watson is listed to be with the Capitols this season but has yet to play a game. Watson has spent parts of the past three seasons in the USHL was drafted 132nd overall in Round 9 by the Waterloo Black Hawks at the 2013 USHL Entry Draft. Watson has committed to Michigan Tech University for the 2017-18 season.

Former Vernon Vipers goaltender Brendan Barry is no longer with the
Nanaimo Clippers.

Barry played last season with the Penticton Vees & Vernon Vipers. The Vees sent Barry home September 12th 2015 for violation of team policy, was later released after playing in just one game with Penticton. The Vipers signed Barry October 1st 2015 played in 13 games with the Vipers last season going 4-6 posting a 4.24 GAA. Barry was a no show at Vipers training camp in August, was released before signing with the Nanaimo Clippers August 22nd 2016. Barry played one game this season with Nanaimo before no longer being listed on the Clippers roster. Barry was taken off the Clippers roster after Nanaimo acquired goaltender Evan DeBrouwer from the Smith Falls Bears September 15th 2016. No official word if Barry was released or traded.

Wednesday, September 21, 2016

Vernon Viper forward Steve Jandric scores his second goal of the season during a game against the Coquitlam express. The Prince George native opened the scoring in the game with this marker just 2 and 1/2 minutes into the opening period from Jimmy Lambert and Michael Ufberg.

At first glance, Mark Ferner wasn’t sure if Jimmy Lambert could handle the physical battles in the B.C. Hockey League.

Lambert was with the Saskatoon Contacts and getting prime-time minutes with Garrett Pilon and Kole Lind, the highest-scoring line in the Saskatchewan Major Midget League.

Pilon signed with the Kamloops Blazers and was plucked by the Washington Capitals in Round 3 of the 2016 NHL entry draft. Lind went to the Kelowna Rockets.

All three players racked up decent rookie numbers a year ago and Lambert signed a NCAA scholarship deal with the University of Alaska-Fairbanks Nanooks while with the Vernon Vipers. WHL players are considered professional and ineligible for the NCAA.

“He (Lambert) was so tiny in Midget and I wondered if he could take the hitting,” laughed Ferner, head coach/GM of the Vernon Vipers. “He has sprouted up and you could argue he was our best player at the end of last year. His line this year is clicking; they get it.”

Ferner noted that Pilon was dead-last in dryland sprints and he wondered if the son of former NHLer, Richard Pilon, could play in Kamloops, where Ferner was an assistant at the time.

“Once he was on the ice, his hockey IQ was so high, he could definitely play.”

Lambert is close to six-feet these days and added some muscle over the summer.

“It’s a tough choice between Junior A and the WHL, but going from the WHL to pro is a huge step compared to jumping from college to pro,” said the alternate Viper captain. “I never really got any interest from the WHL. I wanted to focus on my development here and play four years of college. I’m getting thicker and our line, with Steven (Jandric) and Niko (Karamanis) has lots of speed which you need to be successful in the BCHL.”

The Pilon-Lind-Lambert combo rang up 232 points with the Contacts and Lambert is now tied for ninth in BCHL points with four goals and two assists through four games.

Lambert and company were held pointless as the defending national champion West Kelowna Warriors iced the Vipers 3-1 before 900 fans Saturday night at Royal LePage Place.

It was normal feisty Warrior-Viper affair that saw 15 power plays awarded between the two rivals.

“It kind of looked like most of us were tired,” said Lambert, who wears No. 23. “Our work ethic wasn’t quite there. Anybody can beat anybody in this league as Penticton lost to Alberni Valley. If you have an off night, you’re going to lose.”

The Warriors peppered the Vipers net with 16 shots in the first period but couldn’t beat a red-hot rookie goalie Cole Demers.

The Vipers missed multiple opportunities on a five-minute power play with Tyler Anderson ejected for a checking-from-behind penalty on Viper captain Riley Brandt in the second period. The Warriors’ penalty kill blocked at least seven Viper shots.

Anderson was assessed a major, but the league reviewed the penalty and much to Ferner’s disappointment, changed it to a minor so Anderson will not face any disciplinary action. Brandt, meanwhile is sidelined with a knee injury.

“They are big and fast and they play the same style they did last year,” said the soft-spoken Lambert. “They compete hard and that’s what you want.”

Captain Nick Rutigliano gave the Warriors the 1-0 lead late in the second frame.

The Vipers power play evened things up with birthday boy Jagger Williamson converting from Carter Stephenson and Christian Cakebread, at 7:59 of the final 20.

Just 79 seconds later, Quin Foreman swiped the puck and made 2-1. Mitchell Barker scored his first of the season two minutes later for insurance. Foreman and Chase Dubois drew helpers.

The Vipers tried to rally late but couldn’t get anything past Xavier Burghardt. West Kelowna is 2-1. The Warriors outshot the Snakes 42-31, including a 16-4 advantage in the first period.

“We were second to pucks all night,” said Ferner. “Cole kept us in the game in the first period and we pressed hard after that but couldn’t get a clean shot. Cole was very good: he competed hard.”

The Vipers are 3-1 and head to Chilliwack’s Prospera Place for the BCHL showcase where they face the Nanaimo Clippers Friday afternoon at 1 p.m. They take the bus Friday morning. Vernon plays the Wenatchee Wild Saturday night.

Forward Nick Rasovic had a kidney lacerated with a stick in Friday’s win over Coquitlam and will be sidelined at least a month. Ferner is still working the phones on trades. He has room for two 20-year-olds and two more imports.

F Brett Stapley skated in practice Monday but remains on IR. Vernon G Tyler Steel (Brown Universty Bears/Merritt Centennials grad) blocked some pucks at Tuesday practice as he prepares to play for Huntsville Havoc of the SPHL.

1990 & 1991 Vernon Lakers Inducted Into Okanagan Sports Hall Of Fame

The 1969-70 & 1971-72 Vernon Essos were inducted into the Okanagan Sports Hall of Fame in November 2014

1999 Vernon Vipers Inducted Into BC Hockey Hall Of Fame

The 1999 Vernon Vipers were inducted into the BC Hockey Hall of Fame In July 2016

On December 2nd 2017 the Vernon Vipers honoured the 1956 Vernon Canadians and former Vernon Esso's legend Wayne Dye. The 1956 Vernon Canadians Allen Cup banner along side Wayne Dye's #8 Legends banner were raised to the rafters at Kal Tire Place

Kal Tire Place-Home to the Okanagan Sports Hall of Fame

The Okanagan Sports Hall of Fame was established in 1982 through the vision of Vernon resident and sports enthusiast, Nick Alexis. With the support of Vernon City Council, Alexis and a dedicated group of volunteers created a series of outdoor exhibits celebrating the region’s dynamic sporting history in Vernon’s Cenotaph Park. That same year, the new organization unveiled its first round of inductees to the Hall of Fame. Several years later, in 2001, the Hall of Fame moved its exhibits into the newly constructed Vernon Multiplex now known as Kal Tire Place.

About Me

I first created this blog in November of 2008. This coming season will be my ninth season doing this blog. I was born and raised in Vernon, BC and have been going to Junior Hockey games in Vernon since I was a young child. I purchased my first set of season tickets in 1990
I have had season tickets for the last 26 years, Since 1990 I have missed 42 home games.
In September of 2009 I missed my first home game since 2002-03 wich my streak of 236 straight Vipers home games came to an end. Ive missed just three Vipers home games since the 1998-1999 season.
I worked with the Vipers back in 2003-04 as colour comentator helping out with a few games over the internet. In 2011 I helped deisgn, create and put together the Vipers new website for the 2011-12 season. I ran and updated the Vipers website for five seasons, keeping all staff bios and pictures updated, adding new game photos, doing a game preview on game days, as well as adding any Vipers news, scores or BCHL news through out the season.
Over the years I have travelled to Victoria, Dauphin & Camrose to watch the Vipers in the RBC Cup. I was also at the 1990 Centennial Cup & 2014 RBC Cup in Vernon.